Video of fruit vendor’s goods tossed during clearing operation sparks backlash online

GMA, Cavite — A video showing a fruit vendor’s goods scattered on the road during a clearing operation by local enforcers has drawn sharp criticism on social media.

The footage shows oranges, apples and other produce strewn across the street, with overturned crates spilling their contents near a 7-Eleven store, according to information accompanying the viral post.

Criticism intensified after the video showed a uniformed female enforcer appearing to kick some of the fruit, as a police officer and a truck reportedly belonging to the city government stood nearby.

In another portion of the more than four-minute video, enforcers can be seen forcibly taking the vendor’s goods as she argues with those conducting the operation. Even after she moved her merchandise aside, enforcers continued confiscating it, with some fruit ending up on the ground amid the commotion.

The video has divided opinion online. Some users said clearing operations are necessary, particularly when vendors obstruct roads or sidewalks. Others condemned the manner in which the operation was carried out, saying goods could have been confiscated without kicking or scattering them, arguing that livelihoods should not be destroyed or vendors humiliated in the process.

The incident has reignited longstanding debate over the balance between vendors’ right to earn a living and the enforcement of laws governing the use of roads and public spaces. While ordinances against illegal street vending exist, some social media users insisted that enforcement should be carried out with respect for vendors’ dignity and livelihood.

The full context of the incident remains unclear, including the specific ordinance being enforced, whether vendors received prior notice, and what process preceded the operation. The identities of those seen in the video, as well as who ordered the operation, have also not been confirmed.

Local government officials and other authorities have yet to respond publicly to clarify the incident.